Attendance

With the introduction of the new National Framework for Penalty Notices there will be significant changes coming into force for Penalty Notice Fines issued after 19th August 2024.

For full information on the changes please view the document below.

School Attendance Penalty NoticeDownload

There has been a lot of information lately in the media regarding school attendance and the changes by the Department for Education which will see an increase to the cost of fines for school non-attendance this September. Pupil attendance is extremely important and children that are persistently absent do achieve lower educational outcomes than those with high attendance. As an academy, we will always endeavour to work with parents to overcome any barriers and encourage pupils through use of attendance rewards. The use of fines has always been a last resort. The main changes for next year are the increase in cost of the fines and the fact that the academy and Norfolk County will no longer have as much discretion over whether to issue a fine. In the vast majority of situations, we will have no choice but to fine parents if they meet the criteria – Fines for parents for taking children out of school: What you need to know.

Our Academy attendance target for 2024 – 2025 is 96.0%

Regular attendance at school promotes pupil well-being, maximises progress in learning and helps pupils reach their potential. The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure a regular pattern is maintained. 

Good attendance is fundamental to a successful and fulfilling school experience. It is our duty to promote 100% attendance for all children. For our children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered it is vital that our pupils are at school, on time, every day the school is open, unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. 

All children have the right to an education and we have put in place appropriate procedures to support this. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school and learning. 

Did you know…..
Minutes LateDays Absent
5 mins late each day = 3.4 days lost a yearAttendance of 97% = 5 days absent a year
10 mins late each day = 6.9 days lost a yearAttendance of 95% = 10 days absent a year
15 mins late each day = 10.3 days lost a yearAttendance of 90% = 20 days absent a year
20 mins late each day = 13.8 days lost a yearAttendance of 85% = 30 days absent a year
  • Statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95%. 
  • Regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically. 
  • Regular attenders find school routines, school work and friendships easier to cope with. 
  • Regular attenders find learning more satisfying. 
  • Regular attenders are most successful in transferring between primary school, secondary school, higher education and employment or training. 
  • Making sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality. 
  • Taking an interest in their education – ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities. 
  • Discussing any problems, they may have at school – inform their teacher or whoever is in charge of attendance at the schools about anything serious. 
  • Not letting them take time off school for minor ailments – particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work. 
  • Arranging appointments and outings after school hours, at weekends or during school holidays will help to prevent disruption to your child’s education and to the school. 

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school – the NHS have produced this helpful page for parents – is my child too ill for school?

We are always on-hand to offer advice and guidance around illness, however it is important to remember that we are not medical professionals and from time to time may recommend that you speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

You should inform the Academy on the first day of the child’s absence, so that an authorised absence can be recorded. Authorised absences are acceptable reasons for absence and cover: illness; hospital/dental appointments; religious holidays; attendance at court; funerals etc.  However, all appointments should, where possible, be arranged after the Academy day or during holidays. 

Parents/carers who collect children during the day to go to the doctor, dentist etc. must first report to the office and the child will be collected from their classroom by office staff. 

You must collect and complete a Leave of Absence form for any planned absences – this includes, weddings, funerals, ID/passport appointments etc. Only the Principal or Attendance Lead can authorise absences. 

To report an absence please call the school office on 01493 603462 or email [email protected]   

  • Leave of Absence refers to any planned absence from school (for example: holiday, wedding, funeral, VISA/passport appointment, religious holiday)
  • You must collect and complete a leave of absence request form from our academy office at least 2 weeks prior to your requested leave (this is so that your request can be properly reviewed and you can be informed in writing of the academy’s decision to authorise or unauthorise the absence)
  • Please note – the academy is only able to authorise requests for leave in exceptional circumstance. (The academy is not able to authorise holiday requests and will follow the DfE Working Together to Improve School Attendance guidance in relation to FPN referrals).

Unauthorised absences are absences where no acceptable reason is given and include: shopping; going to the airport; a relative visiting; going for a haircut; parent/carer unwell; holidays etc. Under no circumstances may children leave the Academy, by themselves during Academy hours. 

If a child’s attendance continues to be poor, there are no justifiable reasons why your child is not attending regularly, and/or you do not talk to the school about your child’s absence, then you may be breaking the law. This could result in a Support Panel or Fast Track to Attendance Panel process being started.